Important Risk Information About Lexapro Prescribing InformationMedication Guide
Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of depression and other psychiatric disorders. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. All patients starting antidepressant therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely. Families and caregivers should discuss with the healthcare provider right away any observations of worsening depression symptoms, suicidal thinking and behavior, or unusual changes in behavior. Lexapro is not approved for use in patients less than 12 years of age. See additional Important Risk Information below.

Your Doctor Chose Lexapro for a Reason

Lexapro is approved as a safe and effective treatment for MDD in adults and adolescents (aged 12-17) and for GAD in adults.

There is no available generic version of Lexapro.

Is there a generic Lexapro?

No, there is no available generic version of Lexapro. If your healthcare professional prescribed Lexapro, make sure your pharmacist fills as prescribed. Your healthcare professional prescribed Lexapro for a reason and can share with you ...more

Can I stop taking Lexapro once I feel better?

While you may notice improvement in a few weeks, you should continue therapy as directed by your healthcare professional. Your healthcare professional may ask you to keep taking Lexapro even if you are feeling better...more

Depression, Anxiety, or Both?

I wasn't sure if I was experiencing depression or anxiety (GAD). Taking the self-tests helped prepare me for my discussion with my doctor.

Seeking General Information

What are the symptoms of depression?

Symptoms of depression vary from one person to the next, but depressed mood and/or loss of interest or pleasure in most activities are considered key features of the major depressive disorder (MDD). Additional symptoms that may be present include...more

What are the symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

People with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) suffer from persistent worry and tension that is much worse than the anxiety most people experience from time to time. The main symptom of GAD is an exaggerated or ...more

Is It an Adolescent Phase, or Something More Serious?

As part of our daughter's treatment for MDD, our doctor prescribed Lexapro, which is approved for use in adolescents aged 12-17 years.

Caring for an Adolescent With Depression

Is Lexapro approved for depression in adolescents?

Lexapro is approved for the acute and maintenance treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adolescents aged 12-17. Lexapro is the second antidepressant to be approved for the treatment...more

Is depression common among adolescents?

Yes. Approximately 2 million U.S. adolescents aged 12 to 17 have suffered a serious bout of depression in the past year...more

Is Your Treatment Plan Working?

I wanted to feel better, and the treatment I was on wasn't working, so I talked to my doctor about Lexapro.

Switching to Lexapro

Will Lexapro work better than my current medication?

Only your healthcare professional can determine whether Lexapro is the right treatment option for you. Speak with your doctor before stopping or starting a new medication. Lexapro has been proven in clinical trials to be ...more

If my doctor switches me to Lexapro, when will I start feeling better?

You may notice an improvement in 1 to 4 weeks; however, you should continue to take Lexapro as directed by your healthcare professional....more

Filling Your Lexapro Prescription Can Be a First Step Toward Feeling Better.

Filling my prescription made me feel like I was finally taking control of my mental health.

Filling a Lexapro Prescription

Why was I prescribed Lexapro?

Lexapro is a prescription medicine approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults and adolescents aged 12-17 years and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults. MDD and GAD are real medical conditions that require...more

When will I start feeling better?

You may notice an improvement in 1 to 4 weeks; however, you should continue to take Lexapro as directed by your healthcare professional. ...more

Lexapro Side Effects

Patients may experience side effects when taking an antidepressant medication.

view side effects

Why Take Lexapro?

Lexapro is approved as a safe and effective treatment for MDD in adults and adolescents and for GAD in adults.

Learn more about Lexapro

Lexapro for Depression in Adolescents (aged 12-17)

Lexapro is the second medication approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adolescents 12-17 years of age.

Learn About Depression in Adolescents

Websites About Depression in Adolescents

A variety of websites that can help put you in touch with self-help, advocacy, and support groups whose members share your issues and concerns.

View Recommended Websites

© 2010 Forest Laboratories, Inc.
41-1018520 07/10

If you have any questions, discuss them with your doctor or healthcare professional.  For additional information about Lexapro, call the Forest Medical Information and Communication Department toll-free at 800-678-1605, ext. 66297.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.People depicted in images are models. Images are used for illustrative purposes only.

Close

You are now leaving the Lexapro Website. Links to other websites are provided as a service to you. Forest Laboratories accepts no responsibility for the content of other Websites. Would you like to continue?

YesNo